Virgin Atlantic Announces Belfast - Orlando Service

Virgin Atlantic is to launch a new service between Belfast International and Orlando, Florida, starting from next summer.

The route will become part of Virgin Atlantic's Joint Venture with Delta Air Lines, with the US carrier offering the service for sale under the codeshare agreement.

Craig Kreeger, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said: "I am delighted we are able to offer customers in Northern Ireland the opportunity to travel on Virgin Atlantic to one of our most popular leisure destinations next summer.

"It's incredibly important to us to offer customers from all across the UK access to our long haul network during peak travel periods – and now even more people can enjoy the Virgin Atlantic renowned customer experience as they travel on their holidays."

Uel Hoey, Business development Director at Belfast International Airport, added: "This is one of the most exciting announcements we have had at Belfast International Airport in recent years. We are delighted that an airline with the status and reputation of Virgin Atlantic has decided to expand its network by adding Northern Ireland departures.

"This will be the only Virgin branded operation from the island of Ireland to an incredibly popular holiday destination and we look forward to catering for the needs of travellers across the length and breadth of the island.

"Virgin Atlantic will make their entry to the market with four peak jumbo jet services next summer and we are confident the service will enjoy phenomenal success.

"We very much hope, with the support of our colleagues in the local travel trade, that the launch of Belfast – Orlando will emulate the success enjoyed by Virgin since launching Glasgow – Orlando flights some years ago, a programme which now offers extensive capacity to Scottish holidaymakers throughout the entire summer holiday season.

"Virgin has an enviable global brand and this vote of confidence in Belfast International Airport and the market in Northern Ireland is a welcome boost in our efforts to attract additional airline activity and sustained growth across Northern Ireland's air transport network."

A Boeing 747-400 aircraft is to operate the seasonal service on Thursdays in June and July, commencing on 25 June 2015.

(IT/JP)